Microsoft sets a Guinness World Record!

This event was aimed to encourage developers to design, write and test their applications for the Windows 8 UI. 

Microsoft set a new Guinness World Record on 21st September, 2012! It now holds the record for the most independent participants in a Software Development Marathon. This was organizes in Bangaluru and saw 2,567 Developers attending the Event.



As the software giant pushes toward its Oct. 26 release of Windows 8, the turnout of more than 2,500 developers at Windows AppFest showcases the developer excitement for Windows 8 and the opportunity the Windows Store brings to developers worldwide, Microsoft said. Hopefully, some of the apps created at the Windows 8 AppFest will find their way into the Windows Store, Microsoft officials said.

The event featured activities throughout the day and night, including performances from DJRink, rock band Swarathma and morning yoga sessions along with the overnight coding. As the clock struck 8 a.m., Microsoft passed the milestone and Paul O’Neill, vice president of Guinness World Records Commercial, announced Microsoft’s entry into the Guinness World Records for the Most Participants in a Software Development Marathon in One Location. A certificate validating the record was presented to Jon DeVaan, corporate vice president for Windows Development at Microsoft, and Bhaskar Pramanik, chairman of Microsoft India.

At the closing of the Windows AppFest, O’Neill said, “Congratulations to all of the developers at the Windows AppFest for setting an official Guinness World Record for the Most Participants in a Software Development Marathon in One Location. The spectacle of thousands of developers toiling through the night has demonstrated great commitment to their work.”

“Windows 8 is ‘Good for India,’” Pramanik said in a statement. “In India, Microsoft is making significant investments and working with 1.2 million developers, over 1,000 independent software vendors and more than 2,000 system integrators to empower them with the tools, technologies and training required to develop high-end skills and compete in a global marketplace. “The Windows AppFest will encourage budding developers, technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to innovate on next-generation Windows technology, crucial for the development of the local software ecosystem and the long-term economic growth of India’s IT industry.”

“Windows offers app developers state-of-the-art design and development tools, the freedom and flexibility to use a choice of programming languages, including HTML/JSS, global reach to 1.3 billion users and industry-leading revenue sharing,” DeVaan added. “Simply put, Windows 8 offers the most significant developer opportunity ever.”